Councils applying for Roads to Recovery funding in the future will be required to demonstrate their projects’ road safety benefits.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester launched the first ever Roads to Recovery (R2R) 'Statement of Expectations' in an address to the Australian Local Government Association in Western Australia.

Chester urged local councils using funding from the Roads to Recovery Program, to focus on improving road safety outcomes when undertaking local road upgrades.

“When selecting projects, I am strongly urging councils to consider the likelihood they will reduce fatalities and serious injuries,” Chester said.

“The Australian Government's ongoing funding commitment will ensure local councils are better able to decide what local roads are a priority and how money should be spent.

“Obtaining detailed information on project outcomes is critical to ensuring the Australian Government is delivering the most robust road upgrade projects to demonstrably reduce the number of serious crashes across the Australian road network.

“To that end the new R2R Statement of Expectations will require council input on the benefits their completed projects have provided as a condition of funding in future years.

The Government has increased the R2R funding available to councils across Australia from $350 million to $400 million a year beginning in 2019-2020.

“I look forward to continuing the successful relationship between the Australian Government and local councils through the Roads to Recovery program. By working together, we can make a difference to improve road safety,” Mr Chester said.

More information on the statement of expectation is available at: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/roads_to_recovery